What is Chlamydia

What is Chlamydia?

Part of caring for our patients is providing sexually transmitted disease information, including free testing. A bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis causes the disease. It is one of the most common STIs. It can damage a woman’s reproductive organs if left untreated.

Symptoms of Chlamydia in women include:

Abnormal vaginal discharge

Burning sensation while urinating

Lower abdominal pain

Low back pain

Nausea

Fever

Painful intercourse

Bleeding between periods

Symptoms of Chlamydia in men include:

Discharge from the penis

Burning sensation when going to the bathroom

Burning and itching around the opening of the penis

Pain and swelling in the testicles (though uncommon)

Treatment for Chlamydia

Visit your doctor, who will then prescribe antibiotics.

Several antibiotics can successfully cure Chlamydia in both adolescents and adults.

It is important to take all of the medication prescribed.

Get yearly check-ups with your doctor in order to ensure you are free of infection.

Stop having sex during treatment in order to prevent spreading the disease.

Notify all sex partners that you have an STI. Partners require testing and treatment, as well.

Re-test 3-4 months after finishing treatment to ensure the infection is gone.

Chlamydia should be treated before having an abortion.

DID YOU KNOW…

23% of patients who have an infection at the time of an abortion will develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) within four weeks.

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI.

Hormonal contraceptives increase your risk of contracting Chlamydia.

75% of women who are infected do not know they have it because they have NO SYMPTOMS.